Why do most of my photos look better with lowered exposure?

4 months 2 weeks ago #759653 by Brody Kross
Something that i have noticed:  I can frame up a shot and camera shows dead center exposure.  However I will drop exposure -1 stop and then the framed up shot looks more rich in colors and just looks better.  This is the case nearly all the time.  Why?


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4 months 2 weeks ago #759669 by Scotty
Higher black levels increase contrast would be your answer.

When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.

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4 months 2 weeks ago #759670 by GodsCreation
I agree with Scotty. Contrast is pleasing to the eye. 


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4 months 1 week ago #759803 by Owen

Scotty wrote: Higher black levels increase contrast would be your answer.



+1 good answer 


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4 months 1 week ago #759812 by Hassner
Also more detail and stronger colour in the highlights. 

In film days I often used this as my style for a specific shoot.


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4 months 1 week ago - 4 months 1 week ago #759850 by Razky

Brody Kross wrote: Something that i have noticed: I can frame up a shot and camera shows dead center exposure. However I will drop exposure -1 stop and then the framed up shot looks more rich in colors and just looks better. This is the case nearly all the time. Why?

1. The meter is inaccurate (unlikely).
2. When your shot is composed, the meter is not reading the optimum area of the scene (very
    common).


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4 months 1 week ago #759886 by Rick Larin
I'll take a pass at this-

 Adjusting exposure can have a significant impact on your photos, and there are a few reasons why lowering exposure might make your photos look better:
  • Balanced Lighting: Lowering the exposure can help in situations where the scene is too bright or has strong highlights. This can prevent overexposure, where details in the highlights are lost. It helps to balance the overall lighting in the image.
  • Increased Contrast: Lowering exposure often increases the contrast in your photos. This can make your subject pop and add depth to the image, giving it a more dramatic or artistic look.
  • Richer Colors: Lowering exposure can make colors appear more saturated and vibrant, especially if the original image was slightly overexposed. This can lead to more visually appealing and intense hues.
  • Reducing Noise: Lowering exposure can also help reduce digital noise, especially in low-light situations. Noise can make an image look grainy, and by lowering the exposure, you might capture cleaner, smoother shots.
  • Creative Effects: Sometimes, intentionally lowering exposure can be a creative choice. It can create a moodier or more mysterious atmosphere, which might be perfect for certain subjects or styles of photography.
However, it's essential to remember that the best exposure settings can vary depending on the specific scene, lighting conditions, and your creative vision. There's no one-size-fits-all rule in photography, so don't hesitate to experiment with different exposure settings to achieve the look and feel you desire for each shot. Your camera's histogram and preview function can be valuable tools to help you find the right balance between highlights and shadows for your photos.


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4 months 4 days ago #760029 by Moe
One word:  contrast 


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4 months 23 hours ago #760208 by Kenta
I drop my exposure in most of my shots as well, the contrast looks better.  


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